Home

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

K

KAM: See Keep Alive Memory.

KDS: Kick Down Switch.

KE-Jetronic: A mechanical injection system from Bosch, but with some electronic control.

Keep Alive Memory (KAM): Part of a microprocessor RAM that holds temporary data for a specified duration. The KAM requires a constant voltage to retain data. It is cleared when the power is turned off.

Key: A locating device that sits in slots on a shaft and pulley or gear wheel. Also known as Woodruff key.

Kick Down: A switch of a cable on an automatic transmission signals that the throttle is at least 90% open. Under certain conditions this causes a downshift for improved acceleration.

Kick Down Switch: Switch on an automatic transmission that signals that the throttle is at least 90% open. Under certain conditions causes a downshift for improved acceleration.

Kickback: Road shocks transmitted to the driver through the steering system.

Kilowatt: 1000 watts

Kinetic: Movement energy.

Kinetic Balance: The balance of a rotating component about the perpendicular to the axis. Wheel balance has both static and dynamic quantities.

Kinetic Energy: Energy in the form of a mass moving.

King Pin Angle: Alternative term for KPI (King Pin Inclination).

King Pin Inclination: The angle that the king pin axis tilts from the vertical. Used to provide centre point steering where the centre of the tyre tread is on the steering pin axis.

King Pins: A type of steering swivel fitted to beam axles.

KNK: Knock signal from an engine knock sensor to the ECM.

Knock: Advanced or quick detonation of fuel in a cylinder where the resultant pressure rise causes a shock wave through the piston, crankshaft and engine block.

Knock Sensor: A piezoelectric sensor used to provide sensor signals to an ECM when an engine is knocking. A closed loop control retards the ignition to prevent knock.

Knocking: Used to describe engine knock or a noise produced that sounds like one object hitting another.

Knuckle (Steering): Steering stub axle assembly. Also known as a steering swivel.

kPa: KiloPascals - unit of pressure.

KPI: King Pin Inclination or the angle that the king pin axis tilts from the vertical.

KS: Knock Sensor.